Trainer Bjorn Baker was keen for Tommy Berry to give Unencumbered a solid test in a barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning ahead of the Todman Stakes - and Berry certainly followed instructions, reports Racing Network. He took the Magic Millions Classic winner back to towards the rear of the field from a wide barrier before working around his rivals approaching the turn and sprinting away to win by four and a half lengths in the straight.
Unencumbered, who appeared to struggle on a rain affected track in the Silver Slipper, won his 800m heat in a time of 47.5 seconds.
"It was exactly what I wanted from him," Baker said. "It was bang on, he needed a decent hit out and it was good to see him really lengthen when he ranged up to them at the top of the straight. The plan is now to run in the Todman Stakes before the Golden Slipper.
"He is very laid back and only does what he is asked to do so that is the reason I wanted to give him a good hit-out at the trials."
Unencumbered remains on the third line of Golden Slipper betting with Sportsbet.com.au at $13. Earthquake is a solid favourite at $2.70 with Mossfun at $8.
Tommy Berry filled in at the trials for his brother Nathan, who is in Singapore but will return to Sydney for the Todman Stakes and Golden Slipper.